Charlie believes that frugality is an important part of maintaining an efficient kitchen. As a chef who’s developed close friendships with farmers throughout the years, he is keenly aware of the resources required to grow and distribute produce, so he believes in making the most of every vegetable scrap!

The way to do that? “Always have a mirepoix bag in your freezer,” he says. “Don’t throw away carrot ends, the last piece of celery, scraps of onion; put them in your freezer in a bag and use them in your next stock or soup. It might seem a little frugal, but if someone really went to the trouble of growing this beautiful vegetable for you, why are you throwing 10–20% of each one away? That’s crazy-town!”

Also, don’t toss those vegetable tops: “Don’t throw away carrot tops or beet greens,” he says. “Make a pesto with them and it will last for a couple of weeks in your fridge, especially if you make it with verjus.”